3 days ago
'Make use of Dania, Zi Yu wisely'
KUALA LUMPUR: The inexperienced Malaysian squad will be relying on girls' pair Dania Sofea Zaidi-Low Zi Yu at the Asian Junior Championships in Solo, Indonesia from July 18-27.
World No. 244 Dania-Zi Yu, who were runners-up at the World Junior Championships last October, are among the remaining members from the previous squad, with boys' doubles Datuk Anif Asrah and girls' doubles Noraqilah Maisarah Radan.
National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said the coaches need to ensure Dania-Zi Yu are utilised wisely to achieve Malaysia's goal of a podium finish.
Zi Yu will also compete in the girls' singles while Sofea is also down to play in the mixed doubles to improve the team's medal chances.
"They need to be utilised wisely as the team and individual events in the Asan Juniors are normally taxing," said Rexy.
"They will be the first choice for the team event and this will be followed by the individual draw which is a 64-draw and the coaches must mange this well.
"Most of the players this year are making their debuts and we are not setting high targets for medals."
Sofea-Zi Yu's chances look good as powerhouses China and Japan have entered mostly new faces in the girls' doubles.
However, the coaches should consider the 15-year-old Zi Yu's medical condition, hyperthyroidism, before playing her in too many events. Primarily a singles player, Zi Yu switched to the doubles due to her medical condition last year.
Thus, it will be wise if the coaches let her focus on the girls' doubles with Sofea where they have a realistic chance of winning gold.
